Debbie Plumpton, 43, from Liversedge, West Yorkshire, won the title of Super Fit Slimmer of the Year after shedding 7st in just over a year.

Ms Plumpton, who used to weigh 16st 5lb and wear a size 24, embraced exercise to become a size 8/10.

The mother, who weighs 9st 5lb, now makes time to do 35-40 minutes of exercise each morning.

Sharon Farrell, 45, from St Albans, Hertfordshire, lost 10st 11lb - half of her body weight - to weigh 10st 2lb, becoming the Over 40s Slimmer of the Year.

Ms Farrell, who went from a size 30 to a size 10, was overweight as a child and decided to lose weight after being humiliated for taking up two seats on a bus.

Katie Parkin, 25, from Weston, Cheshire, lost 9st with the help of Conley's online slimming club, earning her the title of Online Slimmer of the Year.

She started to lose weight because of her father's last wishes, and now wears a size 10 instead of a size 20, weighing 9st.

Conley who will present the winners with their awards and £1,000 each, said: "This year we have received an enormous number of applications for our annual Slimmers of the Year event. I am delighted to reward these amazing 12 slimmers, who between them have lost an astounding 102st."

The national Slimmers of the Year 2013 Awards was held at the London Marriott County Hall Hotel at noon on Thursday.